Lazio Goalkeeper Provedel: ‘I Was a Striker Until I Was 15′

Ivan Provedel discussed his excitement at receiving the call-up to the Italian national team, his Azzurri teammate Guglielmo Vicario and his path towards becoming a goalkeeper.

Roberto Mancini gave the Lazio shot stopper his first call-up to the Azzurri for this international break, rewarding him for his incredible start to life in the Italian capital.

Since arriving in the summer, Provedel has quickly proved himself a reliable and strong option between the sticks, becoming the number one in Rome.

Speaking in a press conference (via LazioNews24), Provedel first commented on his reaction when he received the call from Mancini.

We’ve been here since Sunday evening, we’re settling in slowly, we’re getting to know each other. I’m getting on with everyone very well.

When I heard about the call-up I didn’t expect it, we’d had a bad defeat in the Europa League so it helped to soften the disappointment.

At the beginning I didn’t even realise it, now I’m processing it and I’m happy.

He gave his thoughts on the Azzurri squad and fellow goalkeeper Vicario.

With Vicario in the room it’s going well, we’re neighbours in origin. We also have some friends in common so it was easy.

The thing I noticed right away is the enthusiasm in a group that has done something important, you can see that the guys are very good with each other and it’s easier for us to settle in.

The 28-year-old recalled his journey towards becoming a goalkeeper, revealing that he used to play a different position entirely.

When I was six years old, I wore my first goalkeeping gloves. Actually I was a striker until I was 15, even though I always wanted to be a goalkeeper.

Provedel revealed who his childhood idol was.

I had no posters in my room. My idol as a goalkeeper is Toldo, I fell in love with the role after the Euro 2000 semi-final against the Netherlands.

He touched on some similarities between himself and Vicario.

In my opinion Vicario and I have characteristics in common, then it depends on the requests of our respective coaches. Some basic concepts we have in common, having grown up in Udine.

Finally, Provedel spoke about some of the individuals in the Italy squad.

Immobile is the most unpredictable striker in Serie A, luckily I play with him now. Raspadori himself is very calm in front of goal. Bonucci is the nicest guy in the locker room.

Tags Azzurri Biancocelesti Italy Ivan Provedel Lazio Provedel Rome Serie A